CNET Update: Microsoft pulls problematic Windows RT update

CNET Update: Microsoft pulls problematic Windows RT update

2:34 /
October 21, 2013

The company works to fix an update that bricked some Surface RT tablets, Apple's new iPhones head to more carriers, and Google's Hangouts app offers free voice calls.

Microsoft addresses a major Windows 8.1 bug.
I'm Jeff Bakalar filling in for Bridget Carey and this is your CNET Update.
Microsoft pulled the Windows 8.1 update for those with the RT version of Windows 8, and that's the version for some Surface tablets.
It seems the update may have crippled some Windows RT machines leaving them unable to even start up.
Microsoft does
release a recovery image for serviced RT owners to download to fix the errors but it's gonna require you to download it from other computer and then load the fix on to a USB drive.
Prepaid carrier Boost Mobile will be selling the new iPhone 5S and 5C starting on Friday, November 8th, but right now there's no details on pricing.
Now of course Sprint owns Boost as well as Virgin Mobile, and Virgin began selling the new iPhones this month.
They charge $550 for the high-end iPhone
5S and the colorful 5C starts at $450, of course off contract.
U.S. Cellular will also get the new phones on November 8th as well.
Microsoft's limited time promotion that gave away free downloads of games with an Xbox LIVE Gold subscription is now a permanent thing.
The games with Gold program was launched back at E3 earlier this year and was set to end in December, but now it's going to be ongoing for everyone that pays for a full year of Gold membership.
Right now Halo 3 is one of the free
games that's offered, and this is a direct response to Sony which also offers a really impressive selection of free games to those that subscribe to the PlayStation Plus program.
It looks like LG is preparing to make new products that work on Google's Chrome operating system.
The company filed for trademarks on laptops and tablets with the names Chrome 1, Chrome Desk, and Chrome Station.
Now of course LG has already teamed up with Google to create the Nexus 4 smartphone and the upcoming Nexus 5 which should actually be out any day now.
If you have an iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch you can make free voice calls with Google's Hangouts app.
Google updated its iOS app so those with the Google voice number can place and receive calls from the app directly, but it's only free for numbers within the US and Canada.
It doesn't cut in to your carrier's voice minutes, but it will cut in to that data plan.
That's your tech news Update.
For more details head on over to CNET.com/Update and you can follow me on Twitter.
From our studios here in New York, I'm Jeff
Bakalar.